In celebration of the IEEE Foundation's 50th anniversary, February 16th was designated as IEEE Foundation Day to Celebrate the Heart. This theme reflects the Foundation's vision to become the center of IEEE's charitable giving and philanthropic activities.
On February 16, 1973, IEEE launched its Charitable Partners. Initially established to receive and administer donations in support of the IEEE Awards Program, the Foundation has since awarded more than $135 million to more than 250 IEEE programs that improve access to technology, improve technology literacy, and support education. We raised money.
Over more than 50 years, those first seeds have been imbued with the passion, values and interests of our members. The Foundation's work has blossomed into meaningful and real impact.
IEEE Foundation Day recognizes the donors and volunteers who make IEEE philanthropic programs possible and the beneficiaries whose lives have been transformed.
This event is a tremendous opportunity for the IEEE community to celebrate the important achievements achieved through the generous support of IEEE volunteers and donors.
Volunteers, donors, and beneficiaries who want to share how the IEEE Foundation has impacted them can do so on Kudoboard. We hope you'll join us in sharing your story.
IEEE Program Support
Outstanding impact has been achieved across the foundation's five focus areas, or pillars, through which donations are made. The pillars are illumination, education, participation, vitality and future.
Generous donors support current programs including:
irradiate.IEEE Smart Villages supports business development projects that empower energy-poor communities around the world by integrating renewable energy, educational opportunities, and entrepreneurship development. Tailored to meet the needs of each community, projects leverage the power of technology to make a positive impact with the help of local organizations and dedicated volunteers. With nearly 200 projects established across sub-Saharan Africa, India, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, IEEE Smart Villages have benefited more than 1.4 million people.
cultivate.IEEE TryEngineering provides educators, prospective college students, and volunteers with activities, lesson plans, and other resources to engage and inspire the next generation of science, technology, engineering, and math professionals. Last year, the STEM Grants Program provided financial support to 43 initiatives that provide educational opportunities and hands-on experiences to college students from underserved communities around the world.
establish a relationship The IEEE History Center was one of the first programs to partner with the IEEE Foundation. Established in 1984 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of IEEE, the Center serves to preserve and promote the history of technology, the engineering community, and IEEE.
Last year, IEEE piloted an exhibition as part of the new IEEE Global Museum Initiative, which provides museum-quality exhibits to IEEE members and the public at IEEE events. The exhibition centered on Edwin H. Armstrong, the first IEEE Medal of Honor recipient.
Be energized.IEEE Eta-Kappa Nu (IEEE-HKN) has been supported by the Foundation since its merger with IEEE in 2010. Last year, the IEEE Honor Society increased the number of student chapter support grants approved by 200 percent from the previous year. This achievement allows chapters around the world to enhance the IEEE-HKN experience and serve the surrounding communities.
future.IEEE Women In Engineering is a global network dedicated to developing female engineers and scientists and encouraging girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. Last year, IEEE WIE established the Family Cares Grant Program, which provides financial support to enable people of all genders who care for family members to attend IEEE conferences.
The Future of the IEEE Foundation
We are thrilled to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the IEEE Foundation and the tremendous impact philanthropy has had in shaping the world through technological advancements. It is humbling to see how the generosity of our donors fuels IEEE programs that improve lives.
As we move forward, the IEEE Foundation is excited to work together to attract new donors, build more partnerships with IEEE programs and associations, and support more innovative initiatives.
The future holds incredible possibilities for technology to improve our lives. With the Foundation playing a pivotal role, I am optimistic about harnessing the power of philanthropy to create a more sustainable, equitable, and technological future for all.